The Week of #OnThisDayInWWE: Remembering some stars we've sadly lost too soon
Mr Perfect, Yokozuna, Louis Spiccolli and Matt Cappotelli all died too young
In a week of big milestone moments in WWE history, a theme emerged of stars who all sadly died when they were young.
(There is some lighter content at the end, I promise!)
Monday
This Yokozuna v Hacksaw Jim Duggan match on Raw was seismic for several reasons.
We had never seen him decimate his opponent like this, but it also caused outrage among Asian-American groups for the anti-Japanese sentiment that whipped fans into hysteria - you can see some in the crowd spitting at Yoko.
Tuesday
Peak NXT - so good revisiting this era of Black and Gold.
Wednesday
It was one of the most controversial moments in WWE TV in the last 20 years - when Tough Enough judge Bob Holly took advantage of Matt Cappotelli and beat him up.
Matt had a fleeting appearance on Raw after winning the show and was preparing for his main roster run when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. It sadly returned and he died aged 38 in 2018.
During his treatment, Holly said: “Me and Matt are cool and I hate what he is going through right now, and it is a terrible thing he has to deal with because he is such a nice guy and a good person.”
Thursday
Who knew Steve Blackman was a raver and an innovator? This gimmick didn’t last long…
Friday
We sadly marked 20 years since Mr Perfect Curt Hennig’s death at only 44 - something that the WWE disappointingly didn’t acknowledge.
In my research, I discovered this moving comment from his son Joe, better known Curtis Axel, who’s now a producer with the company:
“I think about my dad every time I step into the ring. I pray to him before every match.
“Wrestling has actually been a way for me to heal after losing my father. It still feels like I’m with him.”
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Saturday
Thank goodness for the PG Era, or who knows where this incest storyline would have ended up…
It felt like a poor use of Paul Burchill, a talented British wrestler, who had even made his previous pirate gimmick work, somehow.
Sunday
It’s a quarter of a century ago next week that Louis Spicolli died, aged just 27.
His last appearance on WCW was on Thunder, where he was on commentary and wrestling.
His ability to put even seasoned pros like Bobby Heenan off here captured his anarchic brilliance, which led Eric Bischoff to christen him ‘The Chris Farley of wrestling’, who also died in similarly tragic circumstances.
Things I loved this week
Lots being written about AI this week, but love how Joe Marotta from OVP podcast has been using it to create hilarious spoof Gorilla Monsoon podcasts, with a host of familiar voices.
Not a massive fan of wrestler interviews, but love how the fabulous RJ City makes them so entertaining.
I’m a real fan of John Arezzi’s podcast, having recently discovered it. It excelled this week in getting Eric Bischoff on this week to discuss his 30th anniversary since he became executive producer of WCW, and replaying their interview from 30 years ago and getting Eric’s reaction.
It produced gems like this:
A lovely gesture by Baby Doll.
Schiavone being Schiavone.